Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Health, and Science for Women 35+

Dr. Corinne Menn, a board-certified OB-GYN and 23-year breast cancer survivor, shares her journey navigating health challenges and advocating for menopause education. The conversation unveils how the Women's Health Initiative has instilled fear in many women regarding breast cancer risks. Dr. Menn discusses the misconceptions surrounding hormone replacement therapy, its benefits for managing menopause, and the need for personalized care. She emphasizes the importance of education and empowerment in confronting healthcare disparities and improving women's well-being.

I am delighted to interview Chris Kilham today. Chris is a medicine hunter and educator with a wealth of knowledge to share as an expert in his field. He has been involved in natural health since 1971 and has written several books.  In today's discussion, we explore the differences between traditional plant-based medicines and pharmaceutical agents, looking at patents, industry trends, gut health, mental acuity, and inflammation. We touch on medical tourism and infobesity and discuss the limitations of plant-based therapies. Chris also shares his favorite plants for brain and neurocognitive health, his experiences with other experts and shamans, some fascinating details about psychedelic agents, and his work with the global plant exploration program at Groupe Berkem. This fascinating discussion on plant-based medicines is full of intriguing insights, and I look forward to having Chris back on the podcast.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How plant medicines, which have been around for millennia, differ from pharmaceutical agents The high cost of bringing new drugs to market  How patents impact pharmaceutical companies How emerging trends in the plant medicine industry are focusing on gut health, mental acuity, and inflammation The benefits and challenges of medicinal tourism The rise of misinformation and the importance of having credible sources of information Chris explains what infobesity is Chris shares his intense and positive Bufo Toad psychedelic experience and a story of a 103-year-old woman he met while traveling around, investigating shamans. How to navigate the purchase of good quality plant medicine products The challenges of regulation and the need for consumer awareness Bio: Chris KilhamChris Kilham is a medicine hunter, author, educator, and TV personality who has researched medicinal plants in over 45 countries and lectures worldwide about holistic wellness and botanical medicines.Currently, he is engaged with Groupe Berkem of Bordeaux, France, a high-quality botanical extraction and science innovation company. Chris works on sustainable supply chains, botanical field exploration, and new product development.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Chris Kilham On his website   Facebook LinkedIn

I am honored to connect with Dr. Sandi Scheinbaum today. Dr. Scheinbaum is the Founder of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, an initiative focused on helping practitioners and businesses hire health coaches who focus on chronic disease and reducing healthcare costs. She is an educator and clinical psychologist with a career spanning over 40 years, lecturing prolifically on the psychology of wellbeing, mind-body medicine, and the psychology of eating, and writing several books on health coaching, panic attacks, and anxiety.In our conversation today, we dive into nutrition confusion, scientific evolution, biased myths and beliefs, contradictory messages, and how cognitive dissonance affects people’s eating patterns and attitudes toward food. Dr. Scheinbaum shares how she transitioned from being a vegan to becoming an omnivore, and we explore the role of Erikson's stages of development and family dynamics in shaping theories and behaviors around food. We look into the psychology of eating, social messaging, and the consequences of appetite judgments, food shame, and orthorexia. Dr. Scheinbaum also explains how to find local practitioners who can assist you in navigating your relationship with food, mind-body medicine, and cognitive-behavioral therapies.Stay tuned for today's insightful discussion, where Dr. Sandi Scheinbaum unravels the psychology that shapes our eating patterns, attitudes, and approaches to food. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why is there so much confusion around nutrition? The psychology of food labeling How eating habits get shaped by childhood experiences and cultural influences How we need self-compassion without judgment to develop a healthier relationship with food The potentially negative impact strict food rules can have on the mental and physical health of children How social influences and the desire to fit in affect people’s eating habits Dr. Scheinbaum tells her story of shifting from veganism to becoming a meat eater How gender differences impact eating habits The benefit of having a health coach to support lifestyle changes How thoughts and physical sensations are interconnected  Bio:Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum trains people to become Functional Medicine health coaches and helps practitioners and businesses hire them because she believes that health coaches are the key to combating chronic disease and reducing healthcare costs. As the Founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, a collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine, Sandi is a leader in the field of health coaching education. As an educator and clinical psychologist for over 40 years, she has lectured extensively on the psychology of well-being, mind-body medicine, and the psychology of eating. She wrote several books on health coaching, panic attacks, and anxiety. Sandi founded FMCA at age 65 because, rather than retiring, she is on a mission to grow the health coaching profession so that millions of people can get the support they need to lead healthier lives.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Learn Functional Medicine Coaching Connect with Sandra Scheinbaum On her website Instagram  The Functional Medicine Coaching Academy on Instagram Books Mentioned:Salt, Sugar, Fat by Michael MossThe Dorito Effect by Mark Schatzker

I am thrilled to reconnect with Esher Blum today. She is an integrative dietitian and menopause expert who has helped 1000s of women master menopause through nutrition, hormones, and self-advocacy.We begin today’s conversation by looking at the disparities in menopause care for women, the midlife suit of armor, and the importance of developing mental strength and maintaining bone density. We explore the impact of meno-washing, facial estrogen, foods for menopausal health, and strategies to address facial aging, including peptides, lasers, and collagen peptides. We also dive into carb tolerance, testosterone, and low-dose Naltrexone, and Esther shares her hormone replacement journey and some of the common challenges she sees as an integrative dietitian. You will love this valuable and insightful conversation with your fan-favorite, Esther Blum.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How disparities in menopausal care impact women- especially those in rural areas The difficulties women face in finding capable clinicians to prescribe HRT Esther explains her concept of the midlife suit of armor.  Why women in menopause must maintain their muscle mass How meno-washing gets used in marketing to target products toward menopausal women  The benefits of using vaginal estrogen on the face Various anti-aging techniques and the value of vitamin C, vitamin A, and peptide therapies for skin health Why women in perimenopause and menopause must consume enough protein to build muscle, maintain bone density, and support cognitive function How hormonal changes in menopause disrupt the microbiome  How testosterone can improve women’s mood, energy, and body composition Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Esther Blum On her website   On Instagram Esther’s Trainings Previous Episodes Mentioned:Ep. 264 Peri/Menopause as a Natural Function of Aging: See you later, Ovulator! with Esther BlumEp. 334 Hormone Insights: Advocacy, Trends, and Tips for 2024 with Esther Blum

In this masterclass episode, we explore the benefits of creatine, a supplement gaining more and more recognition for its positive effects on muscle health, brain function, and overall well-being. We feature insights from experts who clarify how creatine supports metabolic health, enhances exercise performance, and improves cognitive function, particularly for women in perimenopause and beyond. Join us as we unpack the science behind creatine and its potential to transform health at every age.Ep. 406 Protein, Creatine, and Training for Menopause and Beyond[00:59:23] Dr. Stacy Sims highlights creatine as one of the key supplements for women, explaining how it supports brain health, muscle performance, and energy metabolism. She advises choosing high-quality creatine like Creapure. Ep. 340 AMA: Creatine's Impact on Metabolic Health and Wellness[00:01:40] - [00:03:29] Darren Candow explains the distinct roles creatine and essential amino acids (EAAs) play in the body. [00:10:32] - [00:15:38] There is no evidence in humans to support the notion that taking exogenous creatine will halt its natural production.[00:16:16] - [00:21:14] Creatine supplementation is generally safe and effective with some considerations around hydration and safety concerns for individuals with health conditions like hypertension.[00:23:55] - [00:27:44] High-glycemic carbs or insulin-stimulating proteins help creatine enter muscle cells.[00:39:48] - [00:42:14] Creatine may support bone health in healthy postmenopausal women.[00:42:26]- [00:46:14] Younger individuals need less protein to trigger muscle protein synthesis.Ep. 301 Creatine: The Best Supplement for Better Bones & Brain Health[2:46-12:50][15:31-16:53][25:58-52:46][53:58 - 58:55]Dr. Candow highlights the role creatine monohydrate plays in bone health. Creatine enhances anaerobic strength training, supports fat loss, improves cardiovascular health, and boosts endurance exercise.Ep. 306 AMA #5: Best Supplements for Women and Creatine Benefits[00:15:09] - [00:19:51] Creatine is best taken within a feeding window to ensure sufficient protein intake. Research shows that creatine, even at higher doses, does not negatively affect kidney or liver function.Ep. 253 How to Improve Your Brain Health & Performance[57:54] - [1:01:09] Louisa Nicola explains how creatine improves performance.Ep. 263 AMA: How to Unlock Optimal Health[1:02:30] - [1:06:20] Ben Azadi clarifies when to take creatine supplement powder for optimal results.Ep. 302 Protein's Transformative Impact on Muscle and Aging Well[00:44:24] - [00:48:02] Dr. Gabrielle Lyon discusses the importance of measuring skeletal muscle mass using a new method called D3-creatine, which could revolutionize how we assess muscle health.Ep. 288 Best Ways To Improve Your Thyroid Health[1:00:25] - [1:08:33] Dr. Amie Hornaman highlights improving strength, muscle growth, and workout performance without side effects. Creatine also boosts testosterone and growth hormone levels, which can help lower Hashimoto antibodies and increase thyroid function.Ep. 307 Metabolic Health, Muscle, and Strength[00:20:58]- [00:24:25] JJ Virgin highlights how women often fear that creatine will make them gain weight, but she explains that any potential weight gain is just water in the muscles.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with my friend colleague Teri Cochrane, who previously joined me for episodes 56 and 201. Teri is a decoder of the human body, entrepreneur, speaker, and advisor. In her novel approach to integrative health, honed through decades of clinical experience and exceptional client outcomes, she focuses on the dynamic nature of individual health, incorporating insights from epigenetics, biochemistry, quantum physics, and nutrition.We begin our conversation today by diving into health sovereignty. We discuss the disrupted mirror effect and the standard American diet, exploring the impact of mold and mycotoxins, glyphosate, amyloids, and oxalates, and identifying foods to avoid. We examine the benefits of the game and wildaterian diets, looking at the challenges of weight loss resistance, the concept of the dirty cupcake, and the psychology of eating.I am sure you will find this informative discussion with Teri Cochrane enlightening and enjoyable.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why it is essential to get actively involved in your health and wellness, particularly in the post-pandemic environment What spike proteins represent, and how they can affect you Teri explains the disrupted mirror effect Which foods are the amyloid-rich foods we should avoid? How all metabolic diseases in the US stem from the food we eat, what we wear, and what we use in our environment How mold and mycotoxins impact our health The problem with industrialized farming How oral probiotics increase our histamine load The benefits of consuming wild-sourced protein Some creative ways to make better food choices Which supplements are the best ones? Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Teri Cochrane On her website Instagram Facebook TikTok  Book MentionedThe Wildaterian Diet: Living as Nature Intended on AmazonPrevious Episodes MentionedEpisode 56: The Cochrane Method and Bioindividuality Ep. 201-The Connection Between Genes, Detoxification, Hormones, and Immune Function

Today, we have an extra-special episode recorded live at an Eudemonia event in West Palm Beach in November 2024. I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, an ICU-attending physician in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Kyeremanteng is particularly attuned to middle-aged women and is interested in preventative care and metabolic health. Across social media channels, he is known affectionately as Dr. K.In our discussion, we spoke at length about fear-based decision-making and medicine, looking at the impact of allopathic care models and lifestyle-related diseases, the impact of hospitalizations and big-gun antibiotic therapy, and the trauma of being hospitalized in the ICU. We also dove into the role of the microbiome, exploring lifestyle, the challenges of changing the medical system, and the concept of knowing better and doing better as a clinician. We closed the conversation by discussing the Women's Health Initiative and the subsequent prescribing changes in the wake of that study, the role of advocacy, and end-of-life decisions. You will not want to miss this invaluable conversation with the delightfully charming and insightful Dr K.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How fear-based decisions in the ICU can lead to over-testing and misdiagnoses Why it’s essential to be clear and focused when making important decisions in high-stress situations Common lifestyle-related issues that drive many individuals to the ICU How metabolic health links to mental illness Smoking and lung health and other conditions like emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Potential long-term effects of antibiotic overuse Why a healthy microbiome is essential for preventing chronic diseases Challenges of changing existing medical practices The long-term impact of the Women's Health Initiative on women's health How HRT can improve women's quality of life Importance of having end-of-life conversations with loved ones Bio: Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng is an ICU physician, productivity expert, and health and wellness advocate. He is the author of "Unapologetic Leadership," which promotes decisive and authentic leadership principles. Dr. Kyeremanteng also hosts the popular podcast "Solving Healthcare," where he discusses innovative solutions to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. His work is driven by a commitment to equitable access to care and reducing healthcare costs while enhancing quality. Dr. Kyeremanteng is an active social media presence and leverages AI in his work to further his mission of relieving suffering and promoting health.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng On all social media: @kwadcast The Solving Healthcare podcast Gyata Nutrition Dr. Kyeremanteng’s book - Unapologetic Leadership: Finding The Moral Courage To Do The Right Thing Unapologetic Leadership: Finding The Moral Courage To Do The Right Thing, authored by Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, is available on Amazon Disclaimer:This episode was recorded at Eudemonia. The creators retain full rights to use the footage and audio across their platforms, including podcast distribution, YouTube, and social media. With permission, portions of this recording may also appear in Eudemonia's non-commercial catalog behind an email wall, with a link back acknowledging the recording location.

In a captivating conversation with Dr. Judy Morgan, a certified veterinary acupuncturist and food therapist, pet health takes center stage. Dr. Morgan exposes the troubling obesity rates in pets and critiques the processed pet food industry’s major players. She emphasizes the importance of holistic care by evaluating dietary choices and alternative therapies. The discussion also tackles vaccination controversies, flea and tick prevention, and the benefits of natural remedies, equipping pet owners with vital knowledge to enhance their furry friends' well-being.

I am delighted to connect with Dr. Nicky Keay today. She is a medical doctor specializing in exercise endocrinology and the author of The Myths of Menopause. In our conversation, we explore the taboos surrounding menopause, menstruation, and periods, looking at the narratives, trends, and language that shape our understanding of those phases in a woman's life. We dive into the perimenopause and menopause symptoms Dr. Keay refers to as Pandora's box, the neuro-endocrine regulation of eating behaviors, and the relative energy deficiency associated with restriction, over-fasting, and over-exercising. We also discuss how lab testing during these transitions can lead to uncertainty, the impact of smoking on ovarian senescence, and menopausal hormone therapy. This conversation is invaluable, and I look forward to inviting Dr. Keay back for a follow-up discussion later this year.IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The discomfort that exists around menopause  The negative connotations associated with aging and the importance of changing the narrative How oral contraceptives have led to a disconnection from natural hormone rhythms  The positive changes in body composition and the potential for wisdom and knowledge gained during menopause What are the initial signs of perimenopause? The role estrogen and growth hormones play in body composition and appetite The challenges of over-restricting and why balanced nutrition is essential to support hormonal changes The benefits of blood tests in cases of uncertainty or relative energy deficiency What is the impact of smoking and excessive alcohol intake? Dr. Keay shares her preferred methods of HRT Why we need more informed discussions about HRT and testosterone replacement  Bio: Dr Nicky Keay BA, MA, MB, BChir (Cantab), MRCP Nicky is a medical doctor with specialist expertise in exercise endocrinology. Her research into the impacts of lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise on hormone networks has been published in peer-reviewed journals. She is the author of “Hormones, Health and Human Potential” and editor of "Myths of Menopause". Nicky holds the position of Honorary Clinical Lecturer in the Division of Medicine, at University College London. Nicky’s clinical endocrine work is particularly done with women experiencing perimenopause and menopause and all ages of exercisers, dancers, and athletes, focusing on relative energy deficiency in sports (REDs). Nicky’s passion and objective are to provide a more personalized approach to female hormone health to optimize the overall health and performance of the individual. Nicky is the medical advisor to Scottish Ballet and a keen ballet dancer.Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Nicky Keay On her website Social media: @Dr. Nicky Keay Dr. Nicky Keay’s latest book, The Myths of Menopause, and her first book, Hormones, Health, and Human Potential, are available on Amazon or her website.

In this episode of the Everyday Wellness Podcast, host Cynthia Thurlow shares insights from episodes that are invaluable to listeners! Joining Cynthia are Dr. Mariza Snyder (Episode 370), Dr. Suzanne Fenske (Episode 392), Dr. Stacy Sims (Episode 406), and Dr. Mary Claire Haver (Episode 376). They will cover many essentials related to perimenopause and menopause including recognizing symptoms, strategies to help navigate, and management tools. Be sure to tune in to strategies and tools to help you take control of your health!IN THIS EPISODE: Understanding the hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause The concept of perimenopause as a "zone of chaos" due to fluctuating hormone levels Factors influencing the timing and experience of menopause, including genetics, lifestyle, and medical interventions Common and lesser-known symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, such as mood swings, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes The role of estrogen and progesterone in physical and mental health during this transition Exercise, particularly resistance training and high-intensity workouts, for managing symptoms and maintaining health The significance of nutrition, including protein and fiber intake, for overall well-being during menopause The impact of stress and gut health on hormonal balance and symptom management The potential benefits and considerations of hormone therapy and testosterone therapy for women The need for education, awareness, and open dialogue about menopause to empower women and reduce stigma Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Mariza Snyder  On Instagram Energized with Dr. Mariza (Podcast) Dr. Snyder’s books are available on Amazon Connect with Dr. Suzanne Fenske  On the Tara MD website Instagram Connect with Dr. Stacy Sims On her website Instagram Facebook TikTok Connect with Dr. Mary Claire Haver On the Mary Claire Wellness website Instagram TikTok Facebook YouTube